NASA unveiled its budget request to Congress Tuesday with
the release of two companion documents: the “Fiscal Year 2005
Budget Estimates” and “The Vision for Space Exploration,” a
framework for exploration of the solar system and beyond.
The budget request, also called the “Integrated Budget and
Performance Document (IBPD),” was a key basis for NASA’s
highest possible “grade” in the government-wide Budget and
Performance Integration initiative, part of the President’s
Management Agenda to improve key areas of federal management.
NASA leads the rest of the federal government in this important
area, by being the only agency that has achieved this highest
or “green” rating.
NASA’s innovations and accomplishments extend to other areas of
the President’s Management Agenda. NASA also leads the rest of
the federal government in management of human capital as the
only agency with a “green” score. Since the last rating, NASA’s
scores have improved in four of the five areas assessed in the
President’s Management Agenda, more than any other agency.
Other areas where NASA has improved ratings include competitive
sourcing and E-government. NASA’s success in implementing the
President’s Management Agenda reflects the agency’s commitment
to management excellence, which is essential to achieving the
new exploration vision.
“The Vision for Space Exploration” serves as the bridge between
the policy direction the President outlined in his January 14
speech about on U.S. space exploration. The vision lays out
guiding principles for exploration, and establishes a roadmap
for missions to the moon, Mars and other compelling
destinations in the solar system and beyond.
The framework put forth in the “Vision” document also
identifies critical “building blocks,” addresses
transformations NASA must undertake, and discusses resources
needed to achieve the nation’s space exploration goals. NASA
will develop more detailed implementation plans for the new
exploration vision this year, informed by the recommendations
of the Presidential (Aldridge) Commission on Implementation of
U.S. Space Exploration Vision.
The budget request and vision document are both available on
the Internet at:
